Originally posted by Steve:
Hello,

I've been working on my stepmom's '98 Contour SE. It has the Zetec 2.0 liter in it. I'm trying to change the VCT Solenoid because it has gone bad. So I need to take the timing gear off the exhaust cam. I took the end plug out and there is a torx looking bolt, is that a bolt or is it the end of the cam. Does it all unbolt in one unit or is it springs and stuff inside the hub that is going to fly apart. I'm in dire need of help. Thanx for any help.



The first thing you took off was just a plug. The bolt underneath is what holds it all together. It should be some funky-ass looking star pattern (like a reverse torx), but a normal socket will work - 5/8", I believe.

Of course you'll need to remove the intake timing gear as well, since there are two small bolts that hold the VCT solenoid to the head. You can't get to them w/out removing both timing gears.

The exhaust cam will also need to come out. The solenoid is a one-piece unit that fits over the cam. It can only be removed by slipping it off the end of a removed cam.



Obviously the big round section is what fits around the cam.

At the top of the 'canister' is the plug that sits at the top of the valve cover with the electrical connection.

See the three holes under the canister? The two outside holes are the two I mentioned that you remove from outside the head. The center is an oil-feed line. If you're removing VCT completely and not planning to put it back, I've heard it recommended you plug the corresponding hole in the head. The oil pressure may be too high exiting the line on the head and 'could' cause problems (this is all heresay, so you should investigate on your own as well).

I'm experimenting w/ removing VCT completely, but as mentioned already I haven't came up w/ a work-around for getting EGR functionality (unless the head is completely swapped, of course).

How many Vs would a VTEC TEC if a VTEC could TEC Vs? The one, the only....FRNKNFORD http://www.westvalleycs.com